Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of representations from industry to develop a sovereign space-based positioning, navigation and timing capability on the UK's space capability.

The Government’s Space-Based Positioning Navigation and Timing Programme (SBPP) is exploring innovative and alternative ways of delivering vital satellite navigation and timing services to the UK. These services are critical for electricity networks, communications systems, and the maritime, aviation and defence sectors, as well as for getting from A to B.

In October a ‘Request for Information’ consultation was opened with industry and academia to ensure the right space-based solutions are explored by the new programme. This has now closed, we are grateful for the inputs received and are now considering this feedback that will set out approach and workstreams going forward.

Once approved, the SBPP Pre-Market Engagement strategy will set out the next steps and timings for engagement with and the opportunities for industry in 2021. Further details will be shared as soon as possible.

This work will boost the UK’s already thriving space industry and expertise, whilst paving the way for a more ’Global Britain’, with greater independence from foreign systems.